Ascent of Basin Mountain on 1992-10-14

Ascent Trip Report

The peak is probably named for the large basin to the west and north of the mountain that contains the upper and main Horton Lakes. The peak was first climbed by Norman Clyde on November 8,1930. (Clyde, p. 78) A note by Norman Clyde on the climb appears in the Sierra Club Bulletin, Vol.16, 1931, p. 108.

Located in the John Muir Wilderness area which is administered by the Inyo National Forest, White Mountain Ranger District. A wilderness permit is required for overnight trips, contact the Forest Service at 873 North Main St., Bishop, Ca. 93514. (760) 873-5841

Basin Mountain can be climbed from the west side by starting from Horton Lake. From the cabins at the lake go around the east end of the lake and up the drainage to the south. A narrow chute at the head of the basin can be used to ascend to the upper west slopes of Basin Mountain. At the top of the chute head SE to the summit. The register is placed on the easternmost of two prominent peaks. Use the UTM coordinates to locate the summit on the topo map. The older 15 min. Mt. Tom map shows the summit elevation to be 13,240 ft. There is a good description of how to reach the Horton Lake trailhead in "The High Sierra", by R. J. Secor. On page 241 in this book mileages on Buttermilk Road are given to reach the locked gate at the trailhead. The last mile or so is 4WD. The peak is usually done as a backpack to Horton Lake, however strong hikers can make it in one long day. Allow 4 to 5 hrs. for the ascent and 3 hrs. for the descent and the elevation gain from the locked gate is about 5,200 ft. Mount Tom which is north of Horton Lake can be reached from the same trailhead. 10/92 RLC